LETTER I. 



Concerning the covrefpondence of diftant friends, Difap- 

 pointment the author s friend will be likely to experience in 

 the correfpondence folicited. Journey to Southampton, 

 Mail coach affhciates. The author joins the army — reports 

 himfelf at head quarters. His fenfations upon placing 

 himfelf under military command, Military hofpital. An* 

 ihors purfuits upon the day of his arrival at Southampton, 



Southampton, 061. 3, 1795. 

 The happlnefs we enjoy by preferving an 

 intercourfe with our friends when feparated 

 from them, beyond the reach of perfonal 

 interview, ranks amongft the higheft blrilings 

 of civilized Ufe. The focial principle which 

 attaches man to his fpecies, influences him 

 wherefoever he may be placed, or whatfo- 

 ever his condition — it prevails equally in fa- 

 vagc life and in poliihed fociety :— but it Is 

 to navigation and the art of writing, tbofe 

 powerful engines w^hich have eftablifhed a 

 ^freedom of intercourfe throughout the wide 



vox.. !• . JB 



